I think this demonstrates that you can invest in a core of neutral colors, and then, as your preferences and tastes (and personal coloring…) change, you can shift into a different “feel” of accent colors, without having to completely redo your wardrobe.

Comments

I like the simple accessories in this one, and I really agree about solid colour scarves (or with a very slight pattern, as per the square silk one here). It's tempting to go for multi-coloured (they look more interesting in the shop), but solid colours can have even more impact and look more sophisticated.all the bestAlice

This is where I am at in building my wardrobe. Working on something solid in neutrals that I can just change the accents of as my hair goes more & more silver. (I am 47, and stopped coloring my hair 3 years ago, last year I cut off all the old, colored hair)

I still lean *warm*, as chocolate brown and ballet pink is my favorite combo, but I know at some point, the brown will come up "harsh" and I will need pearl grey and softer colors.

My Gram always looked fabulous in periwinkle. Right now, it's a ghastly color on me, but I hold hope that one day I can wear it with aplomb.

Am a long-time lurker, but have logged in to comment on this one – these are my colours 🙂If you are looking for an alternative accent shade, pea green and burnt orange work brilliantly. You'll laugh but the pea green/cornflower combo comes from a Hermès scarf I've owned for years (Frégates Magnifiques), the burnt orange/navy/cornflower/pea green reminds me of Vincent van Gogh and his portraits in felt hats.Because I work in a very conservative field for a NGO, navy and grey get me out of the black, but I find I can wear some gold jewellery (or pearls… ha) with this combination as I'm pretty freckled.Thanks for the blog, it is a real pleasure for the eyes!

Wow – I'm usually drawn to bold color combos, such as Prince William's wedding outfit – his dress uniform of hot cobalt with a scarlet sash! But this – this is really really lovely. I'd love to see a variation without the grey, since grey does nothing for me – just every single step from indigo to white. Then you could throw in a pink or red or orange item when you felt the need for a hit of color, but I think it could be a lovely, soothing palette to start from.

This palette is so incredibly peaceful to me. I can see the cares of the day just rolling off when you're wearing this. 🙂 And I agree about using the occasional hit of color when you felt in the mood for it.

Oh, and while I'm at it – another question for you, Janice! I am in the market for a new suit. I want navy, jacket (one button), skirt (a-line, gored or pleated) and trousers (wide-ish leg), all matching. Where can I find such a thing!? I am having a lot of trouble finding anything online. Do I need to finegle a trip to Hong Kong so I can go to one of their famous tailor shops?

I love the option of changing the accent colours as preferences and colouring changes. I have truly embraced grey as my neutral but I am fascinated by the many accent options that I have never considered.Another inspiring post.

I'm another who has her hand up for loving this combination.The brighter blue was just not me- this one is beautiful! I like to use pops of colour quite often, and have taken note of suggestions by other posters.

Hello, i've discovered your blog a few days ago and LOVE it. Fashion is a new word to me : at the age of 41, i 've bought avery few pieces of clothes, i receive a lot of second hand clothes from my friends. I finally start to know what i love to wear or nor, and i get the chance to have a budget to spend on clothes.Your blog is a treasure to me as i start from scratch. On the paper, my most loved color palette is denim/grey/soft pink/soft blue.But in the store, the blue and the pink don't make my heart sing…and the black is calling me !I will try a combo of grey/black/denim and see how it goes.Thank you so much for your enormous workAdeline, from France

I am working on a capsule wardrobe with your help 😉 using grey and navy as the neutrals and shades of pink as the accent. I tried to add a second accent color, but just kept coming up short. This 4×4 scheme sorta of shows me the way. I've made a collection on Polyvore under minniepins. I am wearing a fabulous outfit today that I would not have come up with without having learned from your site!!

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The Vivienne Files is a unique personal style blog with carefully-selected capsule wardrobes based on color palettes drawn from works of art, nature, and more. It helps women buy less clothing, and to love what they buy. Read more...

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